A radio station for pre- and primary school-children is bidding for a North East licence.

If successful, 97.5 FUN fm's broadcast range would include Tyneside and across to Northumberland, covering more than 1,100 schools.

The station says well-known characters such as Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas and Friends and Barney will be used in the programming to help build a relationship with the children.

Chief executive of the 97.5 FUN fm application, Gregory Watson, said: "Whereas most radio formats claim to be different, our plans truly are. We're proud our music scheduling will be tailored to recognise and support the different age ranges of those listening at different times of the day."